Carlos Reyes (@CarlosReyesSJ) – Spear Reporter
San Jose State men’s water polo (1-3, 0-0 GCC) scored a commanding win over California Baptist University (6-5, 0-1 WWPA) in its second game at the Aggie Roundup tournament hosted in Davis, California on Saturday, September 17. SJSU sought to rebound after its tough loss against UCLA on September 16.
First Half
The Spartans set the tone within a minute into the first quarter with a quick strike by freshman attacker Javi Ibanez off an assist from junior utility player Connor Macmillan.
Macmillan continued to play a key role throughout the first period with two more assists and a steal as SJSU took an authoritative 7-2 lead to draw out the quarter.
The second quarter brought forth a completely different opponent, as the Lancers went on a 4-1 run within the first four minutes of the period, closing the deficit to 8-6 in favor of the Spartans.
Utility sophomore Bende Pardi helped fight off CBU’s newfound momentum by firing two goals into the back of the net as the first half wound to an end. Despite the Lancers’ efforts, the Spartans were still able to hold on to their five-point lead, with the scoreboard showing 12-7 at the halftime whistle.
Second Half
Pardi continued to tear through the CBU defense with a goal early into the third period off a beautiful cross from Ibanez. The SJSU offense was clicking on all cylinders as center graduate Niels Hofmeijer added two assists to his total, expanding his contributions to five.
This surge in attack allowed the Spartans to break away from the Lancers with a 16-8 lead at the end of the third period.
The last quarter showed no slowing down for Pardi, as he showcased his attacking presence with a rocket that skipped past the CBU goalkeeper.
Hofmeijer continued finding his teammates, assisting junior utility Mark Kis in order to allow SJSU to take a ten-point lead as the clock continued to tick.
Utility sophomore Tomasso Ramacciotti finished off the game for Spartans by rifling a goal into the net and painting the scoreboard with a 20-9 victory for SJSU.
SJSU men’s water polo seeks to add another win to their record as they get set to take on University of the Pacific on Saturday, September 17 at Davis, CA.